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>Sugarholic Review

>I make it no secret that I love watching Korean dramas, I love Korean romance, and I love love LOVE Korean pretty boys. Sugarholic has all of the above, making it a true delight and a series that has stolen my heart.

The story is well paced, with little drama wasted. It is complete at 5 volumes (all of which have an English release from Yen Press™). Originally serialized in the manhwa magazine Wink , it is a true embodiment of Korean romance. It’s got it all. A love triangle, a tragic past, a childhood love, a bad tempered to be tamed pretty rich boy, boy bands, and a girl who is charming if you get to know her. It reminds me of my first drama experience, Full house (starring Rain), which originally got me addicted to Korean media.

The plot is Jae-Gyu, a country bumpkin, is sent to the city to make her way in the world. Poor and uncultured, she immediately runs into trouble with the rich and devilishly good looking Whie-Wan. Soon after her escape, she meets an old childhood friend, Hee-do. Only he’s much different now… he’s become a popular boy band singer. The story is filled with Jae-Gyu’s interactions with both of these pretty boys, one who is sweet on her, and one with a nasty temper. Who will win her over?

In all honesty, as a girl, I have to say I love a good love triangle. Especially when it isn’t obvious which one will win the girl in the end. Unfortunately, as I have read to many shojo and romance comics, I can almost always predict who is going to be the victor of almost any love battle. Sugarholic is no exception. After the first book, you can see who is linked to Jae-Gyu’s red string of fate. Over all though, the plot isn’t terribly predictable, and the characters are well developed and have flaws and personalities.

The art is your standard Korean girls comic art. Characters are represented with larger than standard anime eyes with most details in the eye lashes. The hands and bodies are lanky and disproportionate, but in a pleasing way. Very typical overall. I do like how Korean Manhwa tends to show more details in their total illustrations. Particularly in their clothing and eye details.

There are 2 mangaka on this particular series, Maria and Young-ah. This is Youn-ah’s first published work, so kudos to her. She did a terrific job. Maria is a Japanese manga-ka who has done this and a number of other Korean manhwas. She has illustrated for Margret magazines and is a more josei-esque creator. Which in my opinion makes it easier to jump the manga and manwha gap.

The title is available still in local bookstores under Yen Press™ and is worth the time to pick up. It’s complete at 5 volumes, and if you are a first-time manhwa reader, it’s very easy to get into. The only difference between this and a standard manga, that you’ll notice, is the larger size and the fact that it’s read left to right, much like an English book.